Why Do Good?
• In Paul's letter to the Romans, he says, "we maintain that a man is justified by faith apart from observing the law" (3:28, NIV). In other words, we are "justified freely by [God's] grace," not by our good efforts (3:24). This teaching might provoke some questions. For example, "If I am justified by grace, then doing good doesn't really matter, does it?"

• In Romans 5, Paul says, "where sin increased, grace increased all the more" (5:20b). This might provoke another question. Read Romans 6:1. How does Paul answer? Read 6:2-14.

Dead to Sin, Alive in Christ
• Paul first presents certain facts concerning the true Christian (6:2-10), and then he tells Christians what they must do based on those facts (6:11-14).

• Facts Concerning True Christians (6:2-10)

† We died with Christ. "Our old self was crucified with him" (6:6). Christ voluntarily experienced death as a consequence of sin (our sin) so that he might break the dominion of sin (i.e., the rule or controlling power of sin). By union with Christ in his death, our "old self" dies, so that we are freed from the dominion of sin.

† We are raised with Christ. As Christ was raised to new life, believers are raised to a new life in him. We have a new identity "in Christ." Our "new life" is lived in the power of the resurrection-life of Jesus Christ, which is victorious over sin and death.

• Believers are freed from the dominion of sin, but not the presence or influence of sin.

• Commands Based on These Facts (6:11-14)

Attitude - Count (realize) yourself dead to sin but alive to God in Christ Jesus.

Action - Do not let sin reign (have control) in your body. Do not offer the parts of your body to sin! Rather, offer yourself to God! "For sin shall not be your master" (6:14a).

1. How can we fulfill (carry out) the commands in 6:11-13? What are some practical ways?

Once Slaves to Sin, But Now Slaves to Righteousness
• Paul says that believers "are not under law, but under grace" (6:14b). This might provoke another question. Read Romans 6:15a. How does Paul answer? Read 6:15b-23.

2. Using slavery as an illustration, Paul indicates that everyone serves one of two masters (6:16-18). How can we tell which master we serve?

3. Christians "have been set free from sin and have become slaves to righteousness" (5:18). Yet it seems that Christians sometimes "serve" sin. How and why does this happen?

4. "Slavery to sin" and "slavery to righteousness" each have their own results. What are they?

† Slavery to sin > ________________, _______________________ (6:21)
† Slavery to righteousness > ________________, _____________________(6:19, 21)

• In 6:23, Paul's use of the terms "wages" and "gift" is significant. Sin, man's natural master, pays his subjects with death. The slave of sin gets what he has earned, whereas the slave of God does not. Instead, the slave of God receives a gift of grace - the gift of eternal life.

• Believers are not "right with God" because they never sin. They are "right with God" by faith. Believers are "not under law, but under grace." However, this does not mean that Christians should feel free to sin! "The freedom of the Christian is not freedom to do whatever one wants, but freedom to obey God - willingly, joyfully, naturally."

Reflection/Application
† What or whom is your master? Review this lesson and ask, "Am I serving the right master?"

† As a Christian, could others accuse you of taking sin lightly because you are "saved by grace?" It is obvious that you have a "new life" under the lordship of Christ? Review this lesson and personally apply question 1 (above) to your life.